Published: May 31, 2009 12:19 am      

Five Kats earn trip to NCAA national track meet

Tipton wins gold medal in discus at regionals; Dennis finishes second in 400-meter hurdles

Jon Tipton of Sam Houston State became the third Bearkat to win an NCAA Regional gold medal, taking first place in the discus Saturday at the University of Oklahoma.

The senior threw 192 feet, 3 inches on his first attempt, surpassing runner-up Luke Bryant of Oklahoma State who posted a mark of 186 feet, 1 inch.

Senior Lane Dennis, a former standout at Huntsville High School, was the runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 50.37 seconds. Kirkland Thornton of Nebraska won the event with a 49.77 clocking.

Chris Cralle chalked up a fifth-place finish in the hammer with a throw of 203 feet, 7 inches.

On the women’s side, Dess Meek placed fourth in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 10 inches.

The top five finishers in each individual event punch their ticket for the NCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships to be held in Fayetteville, Ark., June 10-13.

Michael Courtney just missed clinching an NCAA finals trip, placing sixth in the 400 meter dash with a time of 46.25 seconds.